The early signing period has wrapped, and Iowa football has its 2026 recruiting class in the books. While the Hawkeyes’ 8-4 finish in 2025 left fans wanting more-especially with College Football Playoff hopes dashed-the program continues to build for the future.
And this year’s class? It’s another solid step forward under Kirk Ferentz, headlined by some intriguing talent on both sides of the ball.
Let’s break down Iowa’s 2026 recruiting haul position by position, with a closer look at the players who could shape the next era of Hawkeye football.
Quarterback: A
Tradon Bessinger, 4-star QB (Utah)
This is the kind of quarterback commitment that can change a program’s trajectory. Tradon Bessinger arrives in Iowa City with over 10,000 passing yards and 127 touchdowns on his high school résumé-numbers that jump off the page.
He’s not just a stat machine, though. Bessinger has the poise, arm talent, and field vision to develop into a future starter, and potentially a game-changer in the Big Ten.
This is a major win for Iowa at the most important position on the field.
Running Back: Incomplete
Technically, Iowa didn’t sign a running back in this class-but there’s a wrinkle here. Kasen Thomas, a four-star linebacker from Bishop Heelan, also happened to be one of the top running backs in the state.
While he’s expected to play defense, his offensive skillset is worth keeping tabs on. It wouldn’t be the first time a two-way high school star found a new home on the other side of the ball in college.
Pass Catchers: B+
Luke Brewer, 4-star TE (Norwalk, IA)
Brody Schaffer, 3-star WR (Wisconsin)
Xavier Stinson, 3-star WR (Florida)
Diondre Smith, 3-star WR (Florida)
In true Iowa fashion, the tight end leads the way here. Luke Brewer is a name to remember-not just because of his four-star status, but because of his athletic versatility.
A multi-sport athlete with size and speed, Brewer fits the mold of Iowa’s long line of impact tight ends. At wide receiver, the Hawkeyes bring in a trio of three-star talents, including two from Florida.
While none are flashy five-stars, this group brings depth, speed, and upside to a position that’s been steadily improving in Iowa’s offense.
Offensive Line: A
Carson Nielsen, 4-star OL (Waterloo West, IA)
Gene Riordan, 4-star OL (Illinois)
Hudson Parliament, 4-star OL (South Dakota)
Colin Whitters, 3-star OL (Iowa City West, IA)
Owen Linder, 3-star OL (Minnesota)
This is where Iowa continues to do what Iowa does best-build from the trenches. The offensive line class is deep, physical, and full of promise.
Carson Nielsen headlines the group as a dominant run-blocking left tackle for playoff-bound Waterloo West. He plays with the kind of edge and toughness that fits perfectly in Iowa’s identity.
Add in two more four-stars and a pair of solid three-star prospects, and you’ve got a foundation that could anchor the Hawkeye line for years.
Defensive Line: B
Jack Janda, 3-star DL (Michigan)
Sawyer Jezierski, 3-star DL (Minnesota)
This year’s defensive line group doesn’t have the headliner like 2025’s Iose Epenesa, but there’s still talent to work with. Jack Janda, in particular, is worth watching.
He helped lead Detroit Catholic Central-one of Michigan’s powerhouse programs-with 46 tackles and 17 tackles for loss. That kind of production speaks to both his motor and his ability to disrupt.
Jezierski adds more size and depth to a unit that will need to develop over time.
Linebackers: A
Julian Manson, 4-star LB (Iowa City West, IA)
Kasen Thomas, 4-star LB (Bishop Heelan, IA)
Billy Weivoda, 3-star LB (Georgia)
The heart of Iowa’s defensive identity has long been its linebackers, and this class keeps that tradition alive. Manson and Thomas were both two-way stars in high school, and both project as high-ceiling defenders.
Manson, in particular, has the range and instincts to make an early impact. Thomas brings physicality and versatility-plus that intriguing offensive background.
Add in Georgia’s Billy Weivoda, and this is a group that could form the core of Iowa’s defense down the road.
Defensive Backs: A
Darion Jones, 4-star DB (Nebraska)
Marcello Vitti, 3-star DB (Michigan)
Ronnie Hill, 3-star DB (Michigan)
This is a strong haul in the secondary, headlined by Darion Jones. The Nebraska native is a playmaker at cornerback with the kind of athleticism that could make him a true shutdown presence on the outside.
He’s also a weapon in the return game-he housed two punts and a kickoff for touchdowns in high school, showing the kind of explosiveness that can flip a game in an instant. Vitti and Hill bring depth and physicality at safety, and both come from competitive Michigan programs.
Final Thoughts
This 2026 class might not have the national buzz of some blue-blood programs, but it checks a lot of boxes for Iowa. There's a potential future starter at quarterback, a rock-solid offensive line group, and high-upside defenders across the board. The Hawkeyes didn’t land every target, but they stayed true to their identity: tough, disciplined, and built from the inside out.
If a few of these prospects hit their ceilings-especially Bessinger and Brewer-this could be a class we look back on as pivotal for keeping Iowa in the thick of the Big Ten race. The foundation is there. Now it’s about development, and nobody’s done that better than Ferentz and his staff over the past two decades.